Casebook: Housing new build - Flats judged to boost station environs

Planning, 18 July 2008

The scheme consisted of three blocks of contemporary design set around three sides of a square. The parties agreed that the gateway site should seek to create a landmark development. The inspector accepted that the proposal would be strikingly different from anything else in the town, where traditional two-storey housing was the predominant form.

She acknowledged that the proposal would introduce a significantly higher density of development in relatively large, distinctively designed buildings. However, she considered that it responded in a direct, if challenging, manner to the down-at-heel quality of the area around the town's station. In her view, it related to its context in an appropriate manner and might also prompt other schemes to come forward which would need to respond to its generally positive tone.

The inspector was satisfied that the proposal would reverse some of the negative aspects of the existing environment and would enhance the architectural character of the area around the station. She also remarked that the proposal would make a substantial contribution to housing requirements in an area where the supply was well under five years.

DCS Number 100-055-940

Inspector Kath Ellison; Inquiry.